Printmaking in Relief

Instructor: Sydney Samele

Date(s): Saturdays, November 7 - 21, 2026

Time: 10 am - 4 pm

Ages: 16+

Members: $249.60

Non-Members: $312

Registration deadline: November 3

Description:

This workshop explores the fundamentals of relief printmaking from drawing your design, to carving your blocks, and finally printing an edition. Participants will develop carving and mark making skills by working with a variety of substrates including wood, linolium and EasyCut material. You will be encouraged to experiment with single and multiple layer prints and have the opportunity to print your designs on fabric. 

Open Studio Time:

Upon approval from the instructor, workshop participants will be granted access to the lab throughout the duration of the workshop. Aside from scheduled workshop hours, the lab is available for independent use Tuesday – Sunday from 9:30 am – 4:30 pm.

Materials:

• Carving Tools – Participants may select one the following options:
  • Japanese Detail Carving Tool Set with 5 gouges - #44D1005 (set of 5 tools). – This is a high-quality tool set that will last a very long time provided it is well maintained. Excellent choice for those who wish to continue relief printmaking. Instructor highly recommends this tool set. Here are two places you can find the tools online:
    • Lee Valley Link: $48.50 
    • Amazon Link: $35.90 
•  
• Speedball Linoleum Cutter – This is an alternate student grade carving tool with five interchangeable cutters. This is a budget friendly choice.
  • Blick Link:  $11.07 
  • Amazon Link: $17.99 

Optional Materials:

• Cotton T-Shirts & Tote Bags

• Additional paper such as Rives Heavyweight, Rives BKF, Somerset, or other preferred kinds of paper.

• Flexcut Slip Strop honing kit PW12 (for keeping your tools sharp as you use them).

  • Amazon Link: $21.58 

Instructor Bio:

Sydney Samele is a Connecticut based printmaker and illustrator. She graduated from the University of Hartford with her BFA in 2021. Sydney experiments with various printmaking techniques, such as etching, lithography, monotype, silkscreen and relief. Her work explores mythology and transformation through water.

Instructor Instagram: @riverwindart

All workshops are held at the Five Points Arts Center, 855 University Drive

Workshops may be cancelled due to low enrollment if a minimum number of participants are not met. Registrants will be notified in advance and a refund or credit will be arranged (see workshop polices below for details).

Workshop Policies: Please review the terms of our workshop policies here